It is therefore maybe surprising that Thai
people love fruit like apples and strawberries and grapes, more normally
associated with cooler climates. In the past these fruits were
considered exotic fruits in Thailand and fetched high prices in the
exclusive stores that imported them.

Now these fruits can be found everywhere in stores, supermarkets, in the
everyday Thai markets and even sold by street vendors. They still sell
at premium prices as only the best fruit are on display (Thais are very
choosy when it comes to quality fruit) The only real problem is the
bland taste. They just don't taste like the real fruit back home.

I am not sure why - maybe the
different soil and growing conditions here in Thailand. However it is
the same with beer - my other staple diet. Beer here is cheap and
plentiful but nowt like back in Yorkshire.

Pineapples - Unbelievably that is the
reason I am in Thailand. Some people come to Thailand because of the hot
climate. Some come because of the rich history and splendor of Thai
culture. Some come because of the beautiful beaches and natural forests
and some come for the beautiful Thai girls. I came because of
pineapples.

I have always been overweight. Sometimes
through a change in diet and increase in exercise I have been able to
reach a more normal body shape. Back in the eighties after a recent
divorce I started on a new 'fad diet' - the pineapple diet. I
lost pounds very quickly - not so much in weight but in money. In the UK
pineapples were so expensive.

Then one day whilst shopping at Asda a
particular can of pineapples caught my eye. On the label of the can was
a ripe plump pineapple being held by an exotic oriental lady. "Canned
pineapple made in Thailand" the blurb announced. As I went through
checkout a poster faced me accross the aisle. "Come to Thailand - The
land of Smiles" I figured pineapples had to be cheaper in Thailand and
forked out a few hundred pounds for my first trip to Thailand. The
result - well I found plenty of cheap pineapples and also found my own
beautiful Thai lady. The rest is history.

Here is a snippet of information I came
across recently:

Thai papaya farmers tainted by GE
Although GE Papaya has not been commercialized in Thailand, mounting
pressure is been applied to Thailand by the US agro-chemical companies
and government, which are threatening current genetic engineering bans.
Already, due to a Thai Government agency's role in the illegal
distribution of GE-contaminated papaya seeds, contamination issues for
conventional and organic growers is an ongoing problem.

And here is a report on the state of the
food industry in Thailand:

THAILAND EXPECTS FRUIT EXPORT TO GROW
BANGKOK, May 31 2006 Asia Pulse - Thai fruit exports are predicted to
grow after the United States opened its market for six kinds of fruits
from Thailand. Foreign Trade Department chief Rachane Pojanasunthorn
said Thailand can now send mango, mangosteen, lychee, rambutan, longan
and pineapple to the US on the condition that the fruits must be
irradiated first.

Mr. Rachane said the country should be able to export no fewer than 100
tons of fruits to the US per week. Mr. Rachane said irradiation
technology has already been prepared and exports should begin late this
year.

Thailand now exports fresh, frozen and dried fruits worth about 10.2
billion baht (US$267 million) annually. Last years export volume was
recorded at 624,470 tons.

Princess Foods Co., Ltd.
Princess Foods is a producer of a wide variety of frozen
tropical fruits, frozen fried vegetables, frozen grilled
vegetables, frozen fritter and frozen tempura. Our main market
are both local and overseas like USA. Our quality control system
follows BRC concept which set clear measure, assess the
operations, thus enable the control of quality and minimize
possible risk. The company has product standard certifications
from both the GMP and HACCP.
Contact: Ms. Niramol Pholpipattanapong

Siam Esteemed Product Co.,
Ltd.
Siam Esteemed is the marketing arm of the parent company, First
Canned Foods. Our products are
canned coconut juice with fruit pulp, canned aloe vera juice
(can be with honey, lychee, grape syrup,
canned aloe vera fruit (can be with honey, lyechee, grape
syrup), canned pineapple juice with pineapple
crush, canned tamarind juice, canned hibiscus juice (nam-kra-jeab),
canned nata de coco with pineapple
juice, canned natural orange juice, mango juice, lychee juice,
mixed fruit guava, etc, fruit flavor drink
170ml., coconut milk and coconut powder. Can size are 320ml,
330ml, 350ml, 520ml, A10 and Tin Plate
18 kgs. We are also producer of canned fruit juices, under
Miramar and Berry brand. We are committed to creating new
variety items for customers.
Siam Esteemed believes Natural Healthy is the premier for
consumerís health, that is why we do not
compromise in producing good quality products by not adding any
chemical or preservative, and at the
same time, products are kept fresh and ready to drink.
Our special technology are invested from Taiwan with highest
quality and efficient technology to makes the products better
for customer satisfaction. We are certified by ISO9001 (MASCI) &
HACCP, Accredited by IAF&PAC MLA Group Member, JAS-ANZ ISO9002
Certificate number QMS 01086/337, HALAL Certificate issued by
the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand, FCE 10861, SID No.
2004-04- 8/29. The company exports to customers in the USA,
Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and the Middle East. The
company is ISO 9001 HALAL, and GMP certified.Contact: Ms. Wilai Phanastit

Following you will find lists of
fruit products and companies involved in the fruit
business in Thailand. If
you want Bangkok Companies to put you in touch with a fruit
company or simply supply a database of these fruit companies then please email
bangkokcompanies@gmail.com